The Order 1886 Review

We’ve first seen a glimpse of The Order 1886 at the Playstation 4 console announcement E3. Since then the game was surrounded by an enormous hype , so as the release date came closer rumors of the game’s length , liniarity and so on started to appear. I am dissapointed because many started to hate this game or at least to have negative opinions about it even before the game was released. Don’t get me wrong, everyone has the right to comment on a game…but they should at least wait and give it a chance. I spoke about this because if you are probably reading this review you don’t know if this game is worth your money. You are probably wondering if the rumours are right or exaggerated. So I’ll try to present this game in a way that will make you see if this PS4 exclusive is right for you.

Playing The Order 1886 feels like being part of a very good movie. The amazing mix between graphics and narrative elements shines and makes this game special. The characters are well individualised and the voice acting (one of the best I’ve seen in videogames), combined with some excellent character models gives a certain boost on how you will receive the main characters. Of course this immersion is realised with the help of QTEs. Here is an important aspect I want to talk about. Quick time events are not holding back this game, on the contrary, it helps it achive what it was meant to. This game was presented as a cinematic, liniar, narative focused experience …so why are some people angry about it? If you don’t like those kind of games you simply don’t have to buy them. I think that diversity is an important characteristic of the video-game industry and games like The Order 1886 should have their place in it. Another great aspect about the game’s atmosphere is the recreated Victorian Era London. Every graphical detail is stilishly represented, so the graphics are really top notch. The story presents us an alternate history in which you assume the role of Sir Galahad, a knight of an acient order. The knights must face the threat created by the rebels but at the same time they must face their older foes, some creatures named half-breeds. So in terms of graphics, tehnical aspects and story the game is one of the best I’ve played so far.

I guess nobody can’t question the tehnical part of the game. What I think many might argue about is the gameplay. As I said before it is a linear cinematic experience combined with a cover based 3rd person shooter. I addmit, it might not be for everybody, it’s simply a matter of taste. For example I liked it. Why? Because I consider the gameplay suitable for what the developers tried to deliver. If you like games in which you can explore a very large map and do lots of side-quests and other activities this is probably not for you but this doesn’t make it a bad game. The main goal of this game as I see it it’s to tell a story. So the gameplay was addapted in a manner so the player can be absorbed in this universe and feel part of it’s story and I can only congratulate them for achieving that. The shooting mechanics are good, you can find some very original weapons that are just increasing the originality of the portrayed universe. It is not an innovative gameplay hovewer, you have some climbing mechanics, stealth sections and some mini-games used to open doors or deal with some pannels. There are a few items in this superb world which can be examnied in order to find more details about this universe. The game has some moments at the beginning in which you will probably get a little borred but it’s nothing serious. If you still worry about the amount of QTEs just think about other games that had succes with them. Take The Walking Dead for example an excellent game who is mostly made of QTEs or Heavy Rain. A gameplay element that was also polished was the enemy AI. They are aggressive and are constantly moving, trying to flank you.

Bottom line, Ready at Dawn delivered an original game which will probably split the gaming community into two sides because of its approach. It is not a perfect game, but it is one of the best I’ve played lately. Yes, I know it has a 60 USD price and around 7 to 8 hours of gameplay, but let me ask you: Would you rather pay for a longer game which is not offering the quality that The Order 1886 is providing? Answer to this question and you will probably figure out is this game is for you. People really don’t have to hate this game because it’s different. From the moment you start the game you’ll embark on an epic journey that will carry you through an amazing world. So just sit, relax and enjoy one of the best rides that the PS4 can offer for now.

Video games have been a passion of mine since I was little and my parents bought me a playstation one. Now I’m studying at the “Faculty of Automated Control and Computers” , University “POLITEHNICA” of Bucharest , with the hope that maybe someday I’ll work in the video game industry.